Gulf Daily News - 18/5/2006

BAHRAIN firmly established its reputation as the exhibition hub of the Gulf yesterday by attracting hundreds of visitors from the region to a key building exhibition.Top contractors, architects and suppliers from Qatar were among the visitors to the Gulf International Building, Interior and Design (gulfBID 2006) Exhibition on its second day yesterday.

The show, the first of its kind in the country, is being held at the Bahrain International Exhibition Centre (BIEC).

More than 130 exhibitors from 25 countries are attending the high profile event, being held under the patronage of Prime Minister Shaikh Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa.

The Premier delegated Deputy Prime Minister and Transportation Minister Shaikh Ali bin Khalifa Al Khalifa to open the three-day event on Tuesday.

It is jointly organised by Hilal Conferences and Exhibitions (HCE) and dmg world media, Dubai.

"We made special flight arrangements for the Qatari contingent," said HCE general manager Abdulla Shafeea.

"Some of them were key decision makers, who praised the high quality of the exhibition.

"They also hailed Bahrain's growing role as a key exhibition hub of the Gulf region."

A large number of visitors from Saudi Arabia also toured the exhibition yesterday.

"The visitor traffic on both days was extremely healthy," said Mr Shafeea.

"Many exhibitors reported that there were serious enquiries from the trade visitors.

" We were delighted with the presence of professional visitors from across the Gulf and from countries like India, China, Greece, Europe and many others."

A large number of students from Bahrain University and other colleges also visited the exhibition.

Bahrain as a provider of materials for construction services in Saudi Arabia attracts a large number of buyers and visitors from the Eastern Province, said dmg managing director Bernard Walsh.

"The national representative pavilions from India, the UK and Spain reported significant strategic push for gulfBID," he added.

Mr Walsh said his company was proud to work with HCE to bring yet another international quality trade show to the region.

"The event gives industry professionals the opportunity to meet the leading regional and international companies from the construction and contracting sector," he said.

gulfBID gives suppliers and manufacturers the opportunity to showcase their products, services and expertise to an audience of buyers and contractors responsible for the projects and developments.

The exhibition features a wide and diverse range of interior design products and services that include furniture, fabrics, wall coverings, lighting, bathrooms, kitchens, artworks and accessories as well as marble and stonework.

The event, which closes tonight is open to trade visitors from 10am to 7pm .